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5 Reasons Why Antony Starr As Reverse Flash Is DC's Most Demanded Fan-Casting (And Why It Might Never Happen)

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The digital roar for Antony Starr, the actor behind the terrifying Homelander in Amazon’s The Boys, to take on the role of the DC Universe’s ultimate speedster villain, Reverse Flash (Eobard Thawne), has reached a fever pitch. As of late 2025, this remains perhaps the most explosive and universally supported piece of fan-casting in modern comic book history, driven entirely by Starr's chillingly perfect portrayal of a narcissistic, god-like sociopath.

The intense fan desire is rooted in the uncanny parallels between Homelander and Reverse Flash, both emotionally stunted, immensely powerful figures who harbor a deep, personal hatred for the hero they mirror. However, the dream casting recently hit a snag: Starr himself has expressed a clear reluctance to jump into another major superhero franchise, citing a desire for "fresh stories" and a potential "superhero fatigue" after his celebrated run on The Boys.

Antony Starr: Biography and Profile

Antony Starr is a highly acclaimed actor from New Zealand, celebrated globally for his versatility before achieving worldwide fame as Homelander.

  • Full Name: Antony Starr
  • Date of Birth: October 25, 1975
  • Place of Birth: Wellington, New Zealand
  • Nationality: New Zealander
  • Height: Approximately 5'11" (180 cm)
  • Notable Early Roles: Starr first gained significant recognition in New Zealand for his dual roles as twin brothers Jethro and Van West in the popular series Outrageous Fortune (2005–2010).
  • Breakout Film Role: He received critical praise, including an AACTA Award, for his performance in the Australian film Wish You Were Here (2012).
  • International Recognition: Prior to The Boys, he starred as Lucas Hood in the critically acclaimed Cinemax series Banshee (2013–2016).
  • Current Icon Status: He is best known globally for his Emmy-nominated role as Homelander in The Boys (2019–present), a performance often cited as one of the best supervillain portrayals in television history.

The Homelander Blueprint: Why Starr is the Perfect Reverse Flash

The fan-casting of Antony Starr as Eobard Thawne, also known as Professor Zoom or the Reverse Flash, is not simply a matter of physical resemblance; it is a direct result of his masterful performance as Homelander. The two characters share a psychological profile that Starr has already proven he can execute with chilling precision.

1. Master of the 'Smiling Sociopath'

Reverse Flash is defined by his ability to maintain a facade of normalcy and even heroism while harboring murderous intent. Starr’s Homelander is the definitive master of this trope—the perfect, photogenic smile that instantly snaps into a glare of pure, terrifying malice. Eobard Thawne, often masquerading as a respected scientist or a friendly face, requires this exact duality. Starr’s ability to shift from charming to terrifying in a single frame is unparalleled, making him the ideal candidate to play the man who pretends to be Barry Allen's greatest ally before revealing his true, hateful self.

2. The Chilling 'Personal' Vendetta

Both Homelander and Reverse Flash are driven by a deeply personal, almost obsessive hatred for the hero they oppose. Homelander’s issues are rooted in his desire for genuine love and his inability to get it, leading to an obsession with being better than everyone else, including his son. Reverse Flash’s entire existence is dedicated to making Barry Allen’s life a living hell, a hatred so profound it transcends time. Starr excels at conveying this wounded ego and deep-seated resentment, the kind that fuels a villain who doesn't just want to defeat The Flash, but to destroy his life and very existence.

3. The Physicality of God-Like Power

While Homelander flies and uses heat vision, and Reverse Flash uses the Negative Speed Force, the core performance requirement is the same: the casual, terrifying arrogance of a god among men. Starr’s posture, his slow, deliberate movements, and the way he looks down on others perfectly convey a being who knows he is untouchable. This is the exact demeanor needed for Eobard Thawne, who views The Flash as a pathetic inferior and the entire timeline as his personal playground.

The DCU Reality: Starr’s Reluctance vs. Fan Demand

In the current landscape of the DC Universe (DCU) under the creative direction of James Gunn and Peter Safran, a new, cohesive cinematic universe is being built. The introduction of the DCU's version of The Flash and his arch-nemesis, Reverse Flash, is inevitable. The timing couldn't be better for a fan-favorite casting like Starr, yet the actor's own recent comments cast a shadow of doubt over the entire possibility.

4. The Superhero Fatigue Counter-Argument

In a July 2024 interview, Antony Starr was directly asked about the fan-casting and the possibility of joining the DCU or MCU. He was candid, stating that he is "unsure" about jumping into another superhero role after The Boys. He mentioned that he wants to seek out "fresh stories" and different characters, suggesting he is wary of being typecast or contributing to the perceived "superhero fatigue" in the general audience.

This statement is the most critical piece of current information regarding the fan-casting. While many actors would leap at the chance to play a major DC villain, Starr's focus appears to be on diversifying his resume and avoiding the shadow of Homelander in a similar genre. This presents a major obstacle for James Gunn and the DCU creative team, who would likely have to offer an exceptionally compelling and unique take on the Eobard Thawne character to sway him.

5. The Legacy of Eobard Thawne

The role of Reverse Flash is not an easy one to fill, especially given the iconic performances by Tom Cavanagh in the CW’s The Flash series. The DCU needs a fresh face that can immediately command the same on-screen menace and psychological depth.

Entities like Eobard Thawne, Professor Zoom, the Negative Speed Force, and the concept of time travel paradoxes are central to the character. Starr's intensity would lend itself perfectly to the cold, calculated rage of Thawne. The fan-casting is a clear signal to DC Studios: the audience is ready for a truly terrifying, emotionally complex villain who can match the charisma of a superhero. Whether or not Starr decides to put on the yellow suit, his name will forever be tied to the gold standard for how the DCU's Reverse Flash should be portrayed.

Ultimately, the dream of seeing Antony Starr as Reverse Flash rests on two factors: the DCU’s willingness to offer him a role that is creatively distinct from Homelander, and Starr’s own decision to defy his recent comments and embrace the challenge of playing a second, career-defining super-villain.

antony starr reverse flash
antony starr reverse flash

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